Tips for Hotel Shopping

What's best for your budget? Hawaii's lodging rates vary, but generally follow these pricing standards:

• "Economy" = $49 to $89 (per night)
• "Moderate" = $90 to $149
• "Deluxe" = $150 to $300
• "Luxury" = $300-plus

For hotel and condominium reservations, add 11.41 percent for Hawaii state and room taxes.

Also, rates vary according to time of year. The "High seasons" (generally higher rates) are December through March and June through August; "low seasons" (generally lower rates) are April through May and September through November.

Extras
When making reservations, you may want to ask about:
• AAA or other travel discounts
• children's discounts or complimentary visits
• third-person rates
• kid camps or family programs
• rooms and facilities adhering to the Americans with Disabilities Act

Location
When choosing accommodations, location is important. You will want to see as much as you can in a short space of time, so it does you no good to be situated many miles from your prime sight-seeing targets. Ask these questions before handing over your credit card:
• How far away is the beach?
• What amenities does the property offer?
• Does the property offer special entertainment or events?
• What major attractions are nearby, and does the facility provide shuttles?